The Optimist and Oyster Bar at The Optimist is simply "The Hamptons meets The South." We are passionate about sourcing sustainable seafood and preparing it in classic ways. We're not reinventing the wheel -- just perfectly roasting "farm," fish and shellfish over Georgia hickory. Menu items range from the most authentic seafood gumbo with "pot luck" garlic bread to Maine lobster rolls, Gulf grouper with smoky spring Vidalias, and an ever changing selection of super fresh East and West coast oysters. The cool irony is that we have adapted a historic country ham aging "house" into an amazing space of comfort and escape through inspirations of coastal surf culture.

Oh... and if you are not a seafood person, we LOVE meat too! No worries, be optimistic! :) ...Ford Fry

It was ok. I've been here before but the past two times have been different. I was on a first date and we were both underwhelmed by the appetizers and main meals. If I return, I'll sit at the raw bar and have cocktails. The wine selection was just ok. The host/hostess and our server were fantastic though

We went for happy hour and had oysters and shrimp. The oysters were great and a great value. There were only 5 shrimp, it seemed very small. We told the waiter it was for two people and I felt they should have informed us there were only 5 shrimp. We had a hard time getting additional crackers but when they came, they were great.

We then went to the dining room. Love the booths against the wall. Our waitress was very informative and had a good knowledge of the menu and wines. Our shrimp appetizer was spicier than the other times I have eat it, the bread for sopping is amazing. The rolls that were brought out needed a little more salt/butter.

Specials just meant they cost more.

Our fish entrees were excellent but the smallest of portions. As good as it is, I still feel it is overpriced. The sides were excellent. For that price, not sure I will be back.

This was my fav part of my weekend, it was my 10 year anniversary and a friend recommended it and I was amazed. The fish tasted so fresh and organic, the drinks were strong, couldn’t even finish it, a little pricy but well worth the money

We had the best time at The Optimist this past Saturday. My mom was in town visiting and it is our go-to out of towners restaurant. Our server was really awesome she made great suggestions and really took care of us. The food and drinks were on point as always. We will definitely be back again!

The restaurant was louder than we expected, making it hard to hear each other. I also felt that the food was on the greasy side. I love butter but felt that the food had more than needed and as a result the flavor of the food was overwhelmed by it. Also there was a crab shell in my she crab soup :(.

It was our first time there and our server took the time to go over some favorites. The oyster selection was impressive and delicious. We had the Mahi Mahi and Swordfish which were both fantastic but our favorite hands down was the fried rice!

Started off on the right foot with friendly staff (shout out to Eli) and a beautiful open air environment that felt spacious yet homey at the same time. Would love my house to have the same colors and vibe.

The seafood selection was fantastic from a wide range of oysters to multiple fresh fish dishes.

When the entree came (whole branzino for me, swordfish for my wife) we were blown away by the creative blend of flavors when eating the fish and side dishes (fried rice and roasted carrots).

Overall one of the best dining experiences I’ve had anywhere. Thanks to the chef and staff for a remarkable experience.

Never disappoints. I went here with someone who'd never been, so we were boring and just had the greatest hits: Octopus, shrimp a la plancha, swordfish, whole fish. Had 'em a million times and you know what? Still every bit as delicious and fun to eat as they were the first time. They smartly have a number of bubbly options by the glass to go with their food, and are compelling enough to reluctantly forgo the exceptional cocktails. I forgot to request a table away from the loud (but fun! not a criticism!) bar for this business dinner where I needed to hear well, but we coped. An ideal and unpretentious end to an exhausting day that still called for really good food.

Great spot. Rare that reveiws on Open Table steer you wrong. The Optimist was no exception. Amazing fresh seafood (best oyster selection I have ever experienced--both coasts at the same time...yes, please ) and creative sides. Hushpuppies were amazing and be sure to save room for dessert. That creamsicle tres leches is fabulous. Top to bottom great food, cool spot and service was super knowledgeable.

For as much as I heard about the food I have to admit that I and the rest of my party were a bit disappointed. This is not to say that the food was bad. It was just...average. Unfortunately, the high cost ($300+ for 4 people) did not match quality of the food. My fish was so salty I had to send it back and they completely forgot one of our sides. Those are obviously not what I would normally expect and can be written off as oddities. My biggest issue was that the food just didn't WOW me. From the chargrilled oysters, various fish entrees, and the scallops...none of them were something I could recommend. I really wanted to like the place as it has a very cool atmosphere, but I found myself comparing each dish to a better one at another restaurant.

The food was spectacular. We asked our server about her favorites on the menu and she was spot on! The calamari and the octopus dishes were prepared to perfection. We ordered starters and salads as our dinners & got a couple of sides to share. The portions are hearty! Do not miss the patatas bravas! We’re visiting from out of down for business & The Optimist was a serious win. I’m going back tonight!

Exceptional service at hostess station, bar, and waiter/staff. Very contemporary urban atmosphere. Welcoming and stylish. Just the right level of dimmed lights. Not too loud. Scrumptious cocktails. Delish oysters. Yummy rolls. Excellent fish entrees. I lean towards the lemony flavors and have eaten there twice within a week and both times was absolutely delighted.

This is one of my favorite restaurants! My friends and I enjoyed the food and atmosphere during our recent annual dinner. The food was great, drinks were flavorful, and service was on point. We've added the Optimist to our rotation and will definitely be back in the near future.

Great atmosphere, food quality was all over the map. The oysters on the half shell were excellent although a bit pricey. The she crab soup was very good. The snapper was very good. But the soft shell crabs were paper shells and inedible with no meat. If you don't know what paper shells are, you shouldn't order soft shell crab (or serve them either.) The fried oysters were also not good. The hush puppies were unusual and didn't seem to have any cornmeal. The waitress described them as being like beignets and that is fair, but then call them beignets on the menu. They had no corn taste at all and hush puppies are supposed to be made from corn meal. The beet salad was also excellent and enough for 3 people. I'll go back and check out more things but be careful what we order.

Always a good time. We came earlier than I usually would or have in the past because I couldn't get reservations for 6 after 6 p.m., but I was surprised at how busy and lively it was regardless of the fact that it was 5:45! Our waiter was great, and the food came out quickly. Hush puppies are always good and the raw oysters were nice, too. The only thing I will say is that we did order 2 of our six meals without mushrooms and only 1 came out correctly. But we're very laid back people and just ate around them. The rest of the dish was excellent.

This is far and away the best seafood in Atlanta. The restaurant has a cool vibe and the staff are extremely knowledgeable and attentive yet not annoying. The bartender Jaime can make anything you like and I find it’s fun to tell her what your taste buds want and trust her with the drink! I have brought clients here for business and friends with dates for fun. You simply can not go wrong here! Lilly Porter